AN: Happy Sunday Loyals. I'd like to give a massive thank you to EarlyMorningWriter who is reading and leaving feedback on the previous chapters. When you see this just know you're awesome! Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter you are also awesome. This update is a bit longer than the last one, breaking it up into two chapters would have interrupted the flow. And who doesn't like a long update? This chapter starts out with fluff but the drama picks up! I hope you enjoy and please let me know what you thought.

Song recommendations for this chapter:

Peasants by House (during the dinner scene)

Perfect by Ed Sheeran (during the final scene)

Countdown to Season 4 of the Royals: 56 days aka 8 weeks!

October came and went, leaving November and colder weather behind. The darker days seemed to be just what Alex needed to sleep through the night. Of course, he'd still wake up every so often because he wanted to be fed or changed but everyone in the Henstridge house was much more well rested. More sleep equaled better moods, Liam noticed that Kate had become a lot more affectionate than she had been the last three months.

When he opened his eyes the first thing he saw was Kate. He smiled lazily at her as she touched his face.

"Morning husband." She greeted tiredly.

"Hi." His voice was rough as he looked around. "It's morning."

She laughed. "It is. He slept almost all night."

Liam leaned over the pile of pillows and kissed her. "I'd say that's cause for celebration."

"It definitely is."

He sat up and pulled her in for a second kiss, his arms wrapping around her waist. Her hands drifted up to his hair and she let herself sink into it and be moved onto Liam's lap. The kiss deepened and she tilted her head, Liam's mouth opened slightly. His heart was pounding in his chest and he let his hand slip under the back of Kate's shirt.

"Miss you." He muttered against her lips.

They hadn't had sex or done anything even close to it since before Alex was born. Obviously, he understood the health reasons for waiting but it was getting hard to stay away from her. He let his hand slide around to the front of her shirt and up to her chest. His hips pressed against hers as his hand wandered down to her stomach. He felt her stiffen underneath his hand.

"I think I heard the baby." She said quickly, rolling off his lap.

"I didn't, come back to bed."

Kate was already halfway out the door. Liam leaned back against the headboard and groaned. This wasn't the first time this had happened, they'd be making out and the second Liam would make any move to touch her she'd run off, using Alex as an excuse. Selfishly, he wished she'd stop leaving the just as things would heat up. But selflessly, which was the bigger part of him, he wished she wasn't so insecure about her body. Sure, it was different, but she was still Kate. He sighed once more before climbing out of bed and joining her in Alex's room.

"How is he?"

"Well rested, I can't believe he finally made it through the night." Kate turned from where she was dressing him. "Tell your daddy how grown up you are."

Liam took the boy into his arm, holding him upright. "You are getting bigger what are you 12 pounds now?"

Alex smiled and continued sucking on his hand, letting his other hand reach out to grab Liam's nose. At three months Alex was more active and learning something new every day. Recently, he had discovered how fun it was to pull on hair and beards. Much to his chagrin, Liam had trimmed his beard down to a stubble. He was secretly convinced Kate had trained him to pull on it. But either way, Alex was growing each day and Liam couldn't be prouder.

"Are you excited to see your grandpa today?" He asked, prying his son's hand from his nose. "Hmm?"

"I know he's excited to see Alex."

Liam laughed when Alex turned to look for Kate. "He is a pretty great birthday gift."

"He's a great gift no matter what day it is." She replied, resting her hand on his shoulder.

It was Kate's dad's birthday and to celebrate they were having a lunch at the Davis home. They hadn't been into the city since their last visit in October, Angie and some of the palace staff had colds so no one wanted to risk Alex getting sick. There had been numerous visits to their house but it wasn't as exciting as going to London. Liam knew he'd be back soon enough though, his paternity leave was about to end. As a married Royal, he'd have to pick up more events and engagements. But today he was just excited to spend another day with his family.

"Do you think he'll like the gifts we got him?" Liam asked anxiously as he grabbed the gifts.

"You know my dad, he's a fan of Chelsea football so season passes are great." She laughed and jostled him. "Why are you so nervous?"

Liam shrugged and watched as Kate unbuckled Alex from his car seat. "He's my father in law, I think I'm always going to be nervous."

It was later in the morning and they made it into to the city. A watch and season tickets were wrapped and sat in the empty seat, as well as a card. Those were from Kate and Liam. Alex would be 'giving' him a framed picture of him and Laurence the day he was born.

"He loves you, he thinks of you as a son he never had," Kate said honestly as they made their way up the walkway.

This made Liam smile. "Really? I mean I like to think of as a second dad but I never wanted to say anything."

"Of course. Now don't look nervous, you know my aAunt Carol will fuss over you if you do."

They walked into the house and it seemed like a party was in full swing in the other room. Kate's house always made Liam feel a bit jealous, it was clearly full of love and a tight-knit family. There were pictures all over the front hallway and it seemed warm compared to the cold, ostentatiousness of the palace. Liam had been determined to make his son feel like he did at Kate's house. That was part of the reason he hung up pictures in the baby's room. Here there was no one who had more money than one person could ever need, there were no stuck up aristocrats. It was just a regular family. Or so he thought until Ashok came into the front room.

"Liam! What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing." He gave him a confused hug."What the hell are you doing here."

He jerked his thumb over his shoulder. "Ang invited me."

Kate raised an eyebrow. "Did she?"

"Yeah, your sister's pretty cool." Ashok then squatted down to Alex's eye level. "But not as cool as this kid. What's up, Lex?"

Alex reached out from where Kate was holding him to grab at Ashok's hair. "Look it's Uncle Ashok."

"Can I hold him?"

Kate nodded and handed him off. "Knock yourself out, my head hurts from the hair pulling."

Ashok held the baby against his chest and walked into the living room. "Look who's here, the guest of honor."

"So, should we be planning to be at a wedding that isn't ours?" Liam questioned, slinging his arm over Kate's shoulder.

"Knowing Angie that's probably the goal." She snorted as they entered the living room. "Dad!"

Laurence smiled from where Angie was putting a birthday hat on him. "Katie, how are you?"

She kissed his cheek and hugged him. "Good, good. Happy Birthday, Dad."

"Thank you, love. Liam, how are you?"

Liam shook his hand. "Can't complain, Happy Birthday, Laurence."

"Thanks, now where's the little one?"

"You may need to steal him away from Ashok." Kate pointed to where the godfather was wincing. Alex had a tight grip on his hair and a smile on his face.

Laurence went off to get his grandson when Angie came over kissing Kate on the cheek.

"Hey you, it's been forever."

"Are you feeling better?"

She nodded. "100%. You look hot, totally slim."

Liam watched as a flush crossed Kate's cheeks and she folded her arms across her stomach. "Thanks."

Laurence's birthday lunch went well, apparently, Helena had caught wind and sent over bottles of wine from the Royal Cellar. This had made his day and by the middle of the afternoon, everyone was pretty drunk and in a good mood. It was Laurence's sister, his military friends and some friends from the pub. Luckily, no one seemed too fussed that Liam was there. He didn't want the day to be about him.

"Now Liam, I'll tell you what you really need to know." Kate's Aunt Carol hiccuped, "Kate is always right. No matter what you fight over, she's right."

He laughed. "You're probably right."

"I am. You should have seen how her mum straightened my brother out. Back in his day, he thought he was this big, tough guy but then this pretty little blonde comes along had him turned into a lovesick fool. Elaine had that effect on everyone and so do my nieces."

Liam looked across the room to where Kate was playing with the baby and grinned. "Kate definitely has that effect too."

Hearing about Kate's mum was strange. His wife never really brought her up, to be fair he didn't mention Simon nearly as much as he thought about him. He looked at Kate and twisted his ring on his finger, hoping they'd be as happy as her parents were. She caught his eye and shot him a small, private smile before coming over to him.

"Is my aunt bothering you?" She teased.

"Just telling me how you'll always be right when we argue."

"She's right you know." She kissed him and shifted Alex in her arms. "Angie and I are going to lay him down upstairs."

Liam watched as Kate disappeared up the steps and was grateful when Ashok came over.

"So, how's being a dad?"

Liam shrugged and sipped his beer. "It's good, he doesn't do much but he's cute."

"Wait until he can walk, my sister says that's when things get entertaining. How's the wife?"

He shrugged again and grumbled. "We don't do much either."

Ashok scoffed. "You gotta set the mood, mate. Make her feel sexy even though she had a baby."

"And you know this how?" Liam chuckled.

"She talks to Angie and Angie talks to me." He didn't go into any more detail. "Seriously that does suck though."

Liam looked back to the stairs, wondering what he could do to get Kate to see he still wanted to be with her.

Upstairs, Alex slept on Kate's old bed next to his aunt. Angie was playing with his hair while Kate twisted and turned in the mirror.

"Kathryn, you look fine. Better than ever even, your breasts are still great." Angie noted. "I don't see why you're so worried. It's obvious he still thinks you're hot."

She scowled. "I know that I'm just self-conscious."

"Is that all that's bothering you? You have that crease between your eyebrows. It's not Alex is it?"

Kate looked down at her feet. "He's fine."

"Then what is it?"

She sighed, biting her lip. "I know don't if I should tell you."

"Well, now you have to."

She caught her sister's eyes in the mirror and turned to face her. "You can't tell anyone."

"If I can keep a Royal baby a secret I think I can handle this."

"It's Robert." She blurted out.

"Robert?" She asked loudly. "What did he do?"

Kate frantically shushed her and shut the door. "Nothing, it's just, he's weird."

"He's a little more than weird. He's a total prick."

She sat on the bed. "The last time we visited Helena, I got turned around and ended up near his bedroom."

Angie's eyes were wide. "Holy shit, did he flirt with you?"

She wrinkled her nose. "God no. He was talking to himself and crying. And not just a little bit but it was a panic attack."

"Talking to himself?" She raised an eyebrow. "About what?"

Kate wrung her hands. "Just saying that it was okay and that he was safe and home."

"Maybe he was just thinking about the island. What did Liam say?"

She sighed. "Nothing, I didn't tell him. I don't know if it's my business to tell. But he seemed so scared, so panicked."

"And you care because?" Angie folded her arms. "He's an ass."

Kate rubbed her hand across Alex's back. "If Alex was hurting I'd want someone to tell me."

"Oh god, already? You're such a mum, next you're going to talk about how you never know true love until you have a baby."

"No, I'm not. But I am worried, we're going over there tonight. Should I mention it to someone?" Kate questioned. "He is the King after all."

Angie stood up and shrugged. "He's a prick first and then King. I think you're overthinking this, but you shouldn't worry. It's his life, not yours."

"Maybe you're right."

The rest of Laurence's birthday went well. He thoroughly enjoyed the season tickets and the watch but not as much as the framed photo of him and Alex. When he unwrapped it he placed it right on top of the mantle, between a photo of a much younger, braces-wearing picture of Kate and one of her mum. Liam was always astounded by the resemblance, they had the same eyes, blonde hair, and bright smiles. But the picture of her as a kid really made his day. Their conversation about having a daughter one day popped into his mind. Obviously, it would be for a long time, and he still wanted a house full of boys but the idea of having a daughter with her made him happy. Spending time with her family had been great, it was clear that they all loved each other. There was a notable difference as he now sat with his family. As soon as they walked into the palace they had been avoiding Robert. At Kate's everyone was welcoming, luckily Eleanor had found them first.

"He's getting heavy, but he has good taste in fashion." Eleanor pointed out as her nephew clutched at her necklace. "Are you letting your dad sleep?"

Liam was taking pictures as they sat on the couch. "Yeah actually. He slept all through the night last night except for once at 3."

Eleanor made an exaggerated gasp, causing Alex to smile. "Good job!"

They were in Eleanor's bedroom, Kate wanted some privacy so she could use her breast pump she was in Liam's old room. Shouting from down the hall caught Liam's attention.

"Well it's not my fault I'm the goddamn King! Of course, I'm busy!" Robert sounded stressed out. "Just get me the damn paperwork and I will deal with it! Now!"

Liam turned back to Eleanor who just rolled her eyes. "What was that?"

"Robbie's become a bit of a control freak. Everything has to be a certain way or he freaks out, from his updates from the PM to the way the table is set for dinner. He ran off Willow too."

He was surprised by this. "They broke up?"

Robert had been seeing Willow, since just after the coronation. His mum had been trying to get him to propose, secretly he was glad she left. She deserved better than his brother.

"Yep. She said she couldn't be with someone so unhinged." Eleanor explained, still playing with the baby. "She has a point too, he's been in a mood. He blows up at the drop of a hat. Jasper said he had some kind of breakdown the other day, he got sick apparently."

Liam just looked at the door, he could still hear Robbie berating someone down the hall. "Did Mum say anything?"

"Just that there's a point when it gets stressful to be in charge but it passes. Dad was the same I guess." She kissed Alex's hand when he held it up. "Good thing we don't have to worry about any of that."

"Cheers to that." He said raising his cup of tea. "What an ass."

"He had some kind of freak out yesterday too. I saw it he was hyperventilating before he had to speak at an event." A frown pulled at his twin's face. "It was pretty bad, he was talking about being safe."

He just pursed his lips and shook his head. He knew, in theory, he should feel bad or at least an ounce of sympathy but all he could think of is how often he made Kate feel like shit. The urge to feel bad quickly passed when Kate walked into the room, smiling at the baby.

"I missed you." She held out a bottle to Len who had asked to feed him earlier. "What are we talking about?"

"Just how my brother apparently freaks out and is driving people away." Liam scoffed. "Len said he freaked out the other day."

Liam noticed how her mouth twitched at the corners and into a frown for just a moment. But was cut off from asking her what was wrong when Eleanor stood up with the baby.

"It's 5:56 we better get to dinner." At Kate's confused expression, she elaborated. "It's one of those things he's particular about."

When they entered the dining room, Helena stood up right away.

"Well look who it is." She kissed Kate's cheek. "It's been too long."

"Hi, Helena. Thank you for sending the wine over, my dad appreciated it."

"Of course." She turned to Liam and nodded approvingly after giving him a once over. "I see the beard is gone. It looks better."

From the other side of the room, Eleanor grunted. "That's only because someone likes to pull hair. Ouch, seriously come on cut it out."

"Hi, mum." He let her kiss his cheek. "It's good to see you."

"I was thrilled when you told me you'd be in town. It's been too long since my favorite boy has been here." Helena took her seat near Eleanor and took the baby into her lap. "Hello, little one. Is he sleeping better? You both look so well rested."

Kate grabbed Liam's hand and smiled proudly. "Last night he made it through most of the night for the first time."

"Well we will have to celebrate won't we?" Helena said in a baby voice. "Won't we? Does this mean you won't be needing me to watch him overnight?"

Liam shook his head. "Mum you've wanted him to sleep over since he was born. We aren't ready to let him go without us."

She looked defeated. "Oh, alright. But you do remember you have that event at the memorial park next week right?"

"I'll be there."

"It's important, this is your first event as a full-time Royal." She turned to her daughter in law. "Kathryn, what if you come along too, that way I can have some family time with my grandson?"

Kate nodded. "That would be nice, it's been so long since we've been in the city."

The clock struck six and on the dot, Robert came striding in. He looked a bit ashen and Liam could see his eyes were bloodshot, he honestly looked like shit and it made him smirk.

"Mum, Eleanor." He greeted. "I see Cyrus won't be joining us."

"You know how he feels about babies." Eleanor rolled her eyes.

Robert's eyes narrowed on the baby in Helena's lap. "Traditionally infants aren't allowed in the dining room."

"Traditionally, they aren't my grandson." Helena shot back.

He sniffed at this. "Keep it quiet."

"His name is Alex, not it." Liam corrected him.

His brother didn't respond because a footman was pouring his water. "Tell me, is this filtered?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Robert took a tentative sip. "Twice?"

"Yes, Sir."

Eleanor snorted at this, amused. "It's just water, it's not poisoned."

"Did I ask your opinion, Len? Water is life, and unclean water can make you sick." Robert gripped the table's edge. "We've been over this."

Kate and Liam shared a confused look, Robbie never raised his voice to Eleanor.

"Are you okay, Robbie?" Helena asked she wasn't as surprised as Liam was. She seemed used to it. "What can I do?"

He scowled. "For starters get that whore and her child out of my home."

"Hey! Watch it she's my wife, I won't have you speak to her that way." Liam said quickly, grabbing her hand. "Apologize now."

His brother gave her a once over. "My apologies, now leave."

"No, your mum invited me here," Kate said coolly. "I think you're the only one who has an issue."

Liam was pleased she had stood up for herself but Robert's face turned red.

"It's my house I'm the goddamn King."

"Well you're my goddamn son, so give it a rest," Helena ordered.

This seemed to shut Robert up for the time being. The room was full of tension and Liam watched as his brother stared into space, his eyes were wide and he was clenching and unclenching his fists.

"Are you okay?" He finally asked, his sister and mum didn't seem to notice.

Robert blinked a few times. "Fine, Sparrow. I'm just not thrilled you brought them here."

"They're my wife and my son and you'll treat them with respect."

In Helena's arms, Alex was looking at his uncle with curiosity. Alexander had only seen him twice in his whole life so he must have wondered who he was. Robert stared at him, his sneer lessened a bit.

"I must admit, he is a rather handsome child." He offered before smirking. "Too bad his mum is a whore and his father is an asshole. If you're even his father, good thing we don't have another brother. She may have fucked him too, huh Kate?"

That was the final straw for Liam because he stood quickly, banging his fist on the table. "Enough! He's my son, she's my wife, they're my family. We fell in love and had a child and neither of us is sorry for it."

Alex began fussing a bit at the shouting.

"Shut him up, Sparrow."

"It's because I'm shouting, I wouldn't have to shout if you weren't being disgraceful." He jabbed his finger at Robbie. "Now, keep her name out of her mouth."

Kate took Alex into her arms and was shushing him. Her face was bright red and her throat was tight, did he really think Alex wasn't Liam's? She tried to focus on the baby and the way Liam took her hand when he sat back down.

"God, what's your problem?" Eleanor demanded. "I know it must suck but get over it."

Robert was breathing heavily, stabbing his appetizers with a fork. His hands were clearly trembling as he went to take a sip of his water, he stopped before taking a sip. He turned to the footman by the door.

"You there. Is this clean?" He asked, his voice cracked a bit.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Then why the hell is there salt in it? You can't drink salt water, it will kill you." Robert's face was full of irritation. "This is salt water."

The footman seemed anxious. "Sir, it's filtered twice."

Robert shoved his glass away. "Filter it again. It tastes salty."

He hurriedly took the pitcher and glasses from the table and scurried from the room. Liam and his sister had the same worried look on their face as Robert proceeded to drink deeply from his wine glass. He pulled at his collar and took a breath.

"What has gotten into you?" Helena asked quietly. "You're acting ridiculous. No one put salt in your water."

"I-I have no idea what you're talking about. The water was filthy it would have killed us all." He then nodded to Kate and Liam. "It wouldn't be the worse thing if you two drank it though."

Kate would have been offended any other day but something seemed wrong with him. It was like he was Robert but not Robert at the same time, she held Alex tighter and tried not to think about how he had acted last month. Liam squeezed her leg and gave her a tight smile.

"Liam, are you excited about dedicating dad's new park next week?" Eleanor's voice was strained as she tried to change the topic. "It's your first full-time Royal engagement."

He took a drink from his glass and tried not to focus on his brother who was picking at his food. "A bit nervous, it's been so long since I've had to make a speech or anything. But Rachel's sent me photos, I think he would have liked it."

Next week the King Simon I Memorial Park and Gardens would open in London. The land had been part of the park his father would go to during his walks and now it was being revitalized and a statue of his father would be unveiled. It was touching and he was pleased it was his first official job. Once a Royal was married they'd officially adopt a full schedule of events. The idea of a speech still made him a bit uneasy though.

"You'll be fine, love." Kate pressed a kiss to his cheek. "I'll help you rehearse."

Liam grinned at her. "That would be great, thank you."

"Oh, Len, I'll be in town next week. I'm coming with Liam." Kate spoke up.

She leaned across the table to clink glasses. "I'll drink to that."

The weird mood from earlier had dissipated a bit. Robert had been quiet since his outburst and his water had been replaced, but Liam still snuck a glance every now and again. He noticed his brother was sweating and his face had lost most of its color. He didn't worry too much though, Eleanor had said he had been stressed out and he had always been finicky about everything. His behavior towards Kate and Alex was unacceptable of course, but he decided to let it slide for now. He could still recall just how irritable he had been when Kate had broken up with him and he knew what it was like to be stressed with responsibilities. Being a dad was hard, he could only imagine what it was like to be King and broken up with.

"Are you alright, sweetheart?" He whispered into Kate's ear.

She looked around the table, Robert was spaced out and Helena and Eleanor were talking quietly.

"Fine, he's just weird. Actually, he was like this last month." She said softly, adjusting her hold on the baby. "All upset and pale I mean."

Liam was just about to ask what she meant by that when dinner was served. The table fell quiet as everyone tucked into their meals. It was sushi, Kate had been unable to eat it while pregnant so he had gone without it for support. So he was thrilled to be eating it again and so was she, he was just passing the soy sauce when Robert spoke up.

"No. No. No." His voice was growing louder. "Who made this?"

"The chef, as always. What's wrong with it, sweetheart?" Helena seemed concerned. "You know the Japanese ambassador left this morning, this was her parting gift."

His brother was visibly gray in the face and he was biting his lip. His head shook back and forth and he pushed the plate away and scooted his chair back from the table.

"I won't eat fish. I don't have to! I'm safe, I'm home."

"Of course you're safe," Helena's voice was calm, it was the same one she used to speak to Liam when he was a frightened child. "The chef can make you something else."

Robert was angry and his hands were shaking. He swept his hand across the table, sending his plate crashing to the floor. Everyone jumped out of their skin as he stepped on the plate. The china broke into smaller pieces as he stomped furiously.

"I want him fired." Robert spat, his hair had come unstyled and hung limply in his face. "I specifically said no fish ever again. I ate fish for ten months on that god damn island! And even though some of you would have preferred I stayed there I didn't. I survived and I am home and I am safe, and I'm the King of England so what I say goes."

The glare he sent Liam didn't go unnoticed. "I wouldn't have preferred it if you had stayed there. I'm glad you're safe."

"Give me a break. You wanted to be King and you wanted to be with Kate. You said it yourself you wish I had died on that fucking island so you could live without guilt." He sneered, pointing a shaking finger at his brother.

"That's not true I don't feel guilty. We were in love and we still are." Liam couldn't even be angry he was just worried. "Are you alright?"

This made his brother laugh, it was cold, devoid of humor. "Am I alright? No, I'm not alright! Every day I have to sit back and watch you live your pathetically domestic life with that whore."

"For the last time, don't talk about her that way!" Liam's teeth were clenched and he stood from the table. "What is your problem?"

"My problem is that I am home safe because I found the will to survive. I'm a hero and yet no one seems to respect me. Meanwhile, you can knock up some commoner and everyone makes a big deal out it."

Liam rounded the table so he was face to face with his brother. "Why would I? Since day one you've treated me like shit, you've treated Kate like shit and my son. I understand you struggled on that island and you had to fight every day but you're home, get over it."

"He's right Robbie," Eleanor spoke up, her eyes were teary. "You're home and we're worried about you."

This made him smirk, "You hear that Sparrow? I'm home. You fucked Kate because I was gone, your life is built on a technicality. That child wouldn't exist if I hadn't almost died. Everything you are is a sham. I came home to you living my life and yet you act like I'm the villain!" Robert shoved him but his voice kept cracking. "I am home and I am safe. I am home and I am s-safe."

There was no right answer when Robbie got like this so Liam just sighed. "You're right."

"Yes, I am!" He was shouting at the top of his voice. "Although I must say I am glad you helped me see what a bitch that wife of yours is. I dodged a bullet there, she just wanted to trap you."

Even though his brother was clearly not himself Liam was fed up. He pushed his brother causing him to stumble backward, he nearly lost his footing. When he regained his balance he threw a weak punch, almost colliding with Liam's face.

"I don't know what's gotten into you but you need to stop it right now. You always talk about how much of a King you are and how much better you are but you're acting like a child. You've been nothing but a prick all day. First, you imply that my son isn't mine. You call my wife a whore and then you make a fool of yourself." Liam was shouting too now. "Grow up and get over yourself. God, that island really fucked you up didn't it?"

Robert's face turned a terrible shade of red and the veins in his neck bulged out. He gripped the back of his chair with one hand and rubbed his other hand over his face. He was letting out shaky gasps of air and blinking rapidly. From where she sat Kate could see how his eyes had gone glassy, he looked similar to how he did the last time.

"It's not real, it is not real. I am home and I am safe." He was muttering to himself. "I'm home and I am safe."

Liam took a step back, confused at the way his brother seemed to crumple in front of him. His eyes were bloodshot and teary, was he actually crying? He couldn't even laugh because he felt concerned.

"Robert?" Helena was standing too now. "Sweetheart?"

Across the room, Alex was crying, not used to shouting and arguing. Kate was frantically trying to shush him, she alternated between looking at the baby, then at the two brothers. Robert noticed this and scowled at her. He stared blearily for a moment before pointing to Kate.

"Get out of my house. Now!"

She stood from the table, cradling Alex a bit tighter. "I think h-he's right."

Liam nodded, not keeping his eyes off of her until she was safely out of the room. The older Henstridge seemed so unpredictable that anything could happen. Robert quickly wiped at his cheeks before sniffing.

"You should be disgusted with yourself." Helena spat at him. "You made an actual baby cry."

The brief emotional breakdown seemed to have passed. "If anyone should be disgusted it should be Liam. It's hard to believe he's an actual prince, he's common just like Kathryn."

He pushed his brother once more, both of their eyes were bright with anger. "At least we aren't crazy or falling apart. Get some help, it's pathetic." He then scoffed. "You have everything you want, you're King. You always act like it I ruined the Monarchy, but maybe it's you who is putting it at risk. You're crazy! Get your shit together. Maybe you should have stayed on that island."

His mouth fell open a bit, clearly offended, he seemed speechless. His mouth just hung there and an embarrassed flush crept across his face. When he spoke it was eerie.

"Maybe so, brother. But you don't know the half of it."

The car ride back to the country had been strange. Neither Kate nor Liam were angry but there was tension left over from dinner. He reached across the seat to grab her hand. Alex was in his seat between them, staring up at his parents.

"That was weird. I've never seen him like that." Liam said eventually as they pulled into the gates.

Kate shifted a bit. "I didn't tell you because it seemed like nothing, but he was like that last month."

He raised an eyebrow. "When?"

"When we were leaving your mum's I got lost and heard him crying in his room. He had been acting like he did tonight, talking to himself."

"He needs help, I say that as a citizen. We need a King who isn't going off the deep end."

Liam's lack of brotherly concern wasn't surprising. "At least we don't have to worry about it."

"Hmm, this is true." He let his hand rest on her thigh as the driver came to a stop. "And today overall was a good day. Alex slept through the night, your dad's was a good time and we got to see my mum and Len."

Kate just smiled at him as she climbed out of the car, grabbing the diaper bag. "It was, wasn't it?"

"Do you want me to put him to bed for you?" He asked as they walked into the house.

Kate was rocking him gently. "No thanks, everyone else held him today but me."

He kissed her at the top of the stairs before they went separate ways. Liam walked into their bedroom and into the bathroom, as he changed he thought of today. Apart from his brother the day truly had been good. This morning he and Kate felt like they used to before Alex got here. He also thought of Ashok's advice as he took off his cufflinks. He got ready for bed and by the time he came back out Kate was standing in front of the mirror. All the lights had been turned off other than two lamps which bathed the room in a soft glow She had just taken her hair down and it fell over her shoulders. She was leaning into the mirror and taking off her earrings.

"Is he asleep?"

"Sleeping like a log. I think all the attention wore him out." She called over her shoulder. "Take this necklace off for me would you?"

A smile pulled across Liam's face, she was barefoot and wearing a green dress that brought out her eyes. His breath caught in the back of his throat for a second, for some reason she was ridiculously beautiful. He made his way across the room and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"You look nice. I'm not sure if I mentioned it earlier but you look amazing." He said into her ear.

She smiled and looked at him in the mirror. "Well thank you. It was nice to put on real clothes for a change."

He undid the clasp on her necklace and kissed the nape of her neck. "What are you thinking about?"

"How this time last year I had just found out I was pregnant. And now we have this beautiful baby just down the hall. A lot has changed."

This made Liam grin. "It has, but for the better, I'd say. This time last year I was freaking out that my brother was back. I was bitter about not being King but even more upset that we couldn't be together."

"Me too, I had no idea what I was going to do. But I'm glad it worked out and for what's it's worth you would have been a wonderful King."

Liam turned Kate so he was facing her and took her hand, swaying a bit. "Being a dad is definitely better than being King. I'm glad we're away from all that mess."

"Are we dancing?" She asked, teasing him a bit.

"I'm being romantic just go with it." He shushed her.

She put her hand on his shoulder and let him move them back and forth. "I'm worried about you and your brother, that fight was bad. And he's right, this shouldn't even be your life what if you get bored or realize-"

Liam just sighed and chuckled. "First of all I would never get bored, I'm glad this is my life. And we've been through too much for this fight to ruin us, I'm not giving you up for anything."

She smiled a little. "We're young though, I feel like I trapped you."

He kissed her and brushed his thumb over her cheek. "Yeah we're young, but we were younger when we got together. If anything, I can only fall more in love with you. I know that everyone said we were too young but I'm in love with you, I promise."

"I love you too and thinking about how everything has changed since last year, I'm so lucky to have you. Don't listen to Robbie, you're a great dad."

Liam had his chin resting on her head as they danced. "I don't deserve you, you know that right?"

"I don't know about all that."

"You're beautiful and sweet and I have everything thanks to you."

She leaned up to kiss him and her arms went around his neck. Liam let his hands fall to her waist and he pulled her closer to him, he couldn't explain it but everything felt right. It felt like they couldn't get any more in love than they were right now.

"I'm crazy about you." He said quietly, fiddling with the zipper of her dress. "You know that right?"

"Me too but I don't know about this." Her voice came out shy. "I'm not where I want to be, fitness-wise."

Liam snickered at this, unzipping her dress. "I don't care Kate. You had our baby there's literally no way you could be anything less than beautiful."

She blushed and shook her head. "I look a mess, it's been a long day."

"You look perfect." He said underneath his breath.

She smiled shyly as he pushed her dress off of her shoulders. He kissed her neck and she stepped out of the pile of fabric at her feet. She folded her arms over her chest, feeling like she was back in school and this was her first time. When he simply unfolded her arms and pulled her closer she peeked up at him.

"You're not repulsed?"

He laughed, breaking the tension. "No, definitely not repulsed. You always have had a flair for the dramatic." His hands trailed up her sides and held her waist. "Trust me, there's nothing repulsive about this."

Feeling her confidence grow she pushed up on her toes to kiss him, only stopping to pull his shirt over his head. She couldn't help but smile at the excitement growing in her chest. It had been so long and Liam had been more than supportive, his little reassuring comments helped any last bits of self-doubt fade.

"You're gorgeous." He kissed her shoulder. "You could never not be. And I know you feel insecure but you just had our baby. That's amazing and if anything it makes you even more special."

She shook her head, she was red. "Liam stop."

He stroked his thumb over her cheek. "It's true."

After a moment of hesitation, she kissed him. "If you say so."

When he picked up her and carried her across the room she threw her head back laughing, he dropped her onto the bed.

"Impatient much?" She scoffed as he kissed down her chest.

He looked up from where he was kissing her, shaking his head. A smirk hung from his face and he seemed a bit embarrassed as he ran a hand through his hair.

"It's been three months, patience isn't something I have anymore." He reached up to kiss her roughly, his hand tangling in her hair. "You're beautiful and I'm crazy about you. But we don't have to do this if you don't want to."

Kate pretended to think about this for a moment, watching his face fall slightly she scoffed. "Are you kidding? Patience isn't something I have either."

Liam was quiet as he pulled her closer. "You sure you want this?"

She reached up to touch his face, smiling softly. "More than anything."

AN: I'm sure this chapter seemed strange but I'm building up for the final arc and plot twist. I felt like I was neglecting Laurence and wanted Kate's family to be shown. I also wanted to capture just how far Robert has drifted from the family it will make sense in the forthcoming chapters. God, I love foreshadowing. Can you tell I love writing for Robbie? Finally, Liam and Kate may be parents but that doesn't mean they aren't a young couple in love, I wanted to show that their bond is stronger than ever. The next chapter contains some major drama. I would call it the mid-season finale if this were the actual show.

I hope you enjoyed and let me know what you thought. See you next week Loyals!